JACKSON, Wyo. — An unvaccinated adult in Teton County has a confirmed case of measles, according to a Sunday announcement by the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). This is the second case of measles in the state this year, after a Fremont County adult was infected this spring. Last year, Wyoming saw a total of 15 cases, the first appearance of measles in the state since 2010.
The agency noted that members of the public could have been exposed to infection at the following locations in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) and in Jackson, since the measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infectious individual leaves an area:
- Cafe Court Pizzeria and Ranch House Restaurant, Colter Bay Village in GTNP
- Wednesday, June 17, from noon to 10 p.m.
- Thursday, June 18, from noon to 10 p.m.
- Colter Bay Convenience Store in GTNP
- Saturday, June 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Target Jackson Hole
- Thursday, June 25, from 7 to 9:30 a.m.
“We are asking people who may have been exposed to watch for measles symptoms for 21 days past the exposure date and consider avoiding crowded public places and high-risk settings such as daycare centers,” said Alexia Harrist, State Health Officer with WDH. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, WDH added.
The highly contagious virus can cause serious illnesses including pneumonia and encephalitis, which can lead to hospitalization and even death. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body. People who get sick with these symptoms should call their healthcare provider for guidance. Infants, non-immune pregnant women and immunocompromised people are at the highest risk.
WDH notes that people who have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine — or were born before 1957 — are generally considered immune and are unlikely to develop measles.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is preventable,” Dr. Harrist said after the first case of the year was confirmed. “The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles, and we recommend that all Wyoming residents ensure they and their children are up to date on MMR vaccinations.”
For more information on measles, including guidance on what to do if exposed, visit the WDH website. As more information becomes available, WDH will post locations of potential exposure, if any, and updated case counts.
